Terrence Fede of Marist lives for the quarterback sack, and that may be his ticket to the NFL.

"When you sack the quarterback it's like the greatest feeling in the world," Fede said. "It's hard to explain. It's a rush to your head, like fireworks, like the greatest thing that's happened."

Fede, from Nyack in Rockland County, wrapped up his college career as Marist's all-time sacks leader for a single season (13) and career (30.5). He posted 59 tackles, and ranks fifth nationally in tackles for lost yardage in the Football Championship Subdivision. His play helped spur the Red Foxes to their first Pioneer Football League title, and Monday the league's coaches voted Fede as their defensive player of the year.

"I am very happy getting this award," said Fede, who credited his defensive teammates for making it possible. "It means a lot. Working hard for the past four years, to get to this level where you won the championship and I was able to get the PFL defensive player of the year is a dream come true."

At 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, Fede has tremendous speed and was a player opposing coaches focused on stopping in their game plans. Fede had progressed so much Marist defensive coordinator Scott Rumsey would sometimes move Fede from his defensive end spot to tackle and linebacker and he was capable at all three positions. That, and his final-season play on special teams has made him a valued commodity among pro scouts — all 32 NFL teams visited Marist at one time or another to view games, practice and film.

"I am a guy who can play several positions," Fede said, "not just a guy who plays just one position. ... I am so hungry ... whatever they tell me to do, I will do. I will mold myself into whatever they want."

Fede will graduate on Dec. 15, having studied business marketing. He is working with his family during the next month to find an agent, and he expects to be working out in earnest ahead of the NFL combines.

"He will put the work in," said Marist coach Jim Parady. "We got positive feedback from the people who came in and saw him."

Whether he is drafted in April or signs a free-agent deal, Fede is convinced he will be in an NFL camp this spring.

"I have been playing football since I was a young kid," Fede said. "That's been the dream, to play in the NFL. Now that I am this close, I won't let that slip from me. I will work twice as hard to get there."